Mazda is channeling the Subaru Outback with its rugged-looking CX-50, and a focus towards outdoor enthusiasts. We share our first impressions of this small SUV, and what sets it apart from the CX-5. Also, how does Consumer Reports get to drive cars that aren't yet for sale? We explain our unique relationship with car manufacturers, and how we are able to maintain our unbiased testing standards while still getting a sneak peek at cars before you see them on the dealership lot.
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SHOW NOTES
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00:00 – Intro
00:14 – First Impressions: 2023 Mazda CX-50
11:18 – Question: How is CR able to “rent” all these brand-new vehicles from manufacturers?
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Preview: Mazda Reveals the All-New 2023 CX-50
2023 Mazda CX-50
Guide to Car Safety
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It’s sad Mazda has the CX-60 in the Australia Market that is not even coming to the United States. Wow, I like Mazda!! I own a Subaru, and it would be nice to have something different with power.
The cx60 will be launched as cx70 here soon which is a bit wider
The CX-70 will come to the US. It’s a wider CX-60
LOL plastic cladding turns a car into a rugged, outdoorsy, adventure car. hooray for the marketing team. Mainstream consumers are sad.
Except for the people like me who are about to buy one.
It would help if you can set some facts straight-
1. The CX50 is based on the CX-30/Mazda 3 platform which is not the same as the CX5 Platform. So one of the key mechanical differences is that the 50 has a torsion beam rear vs. the 5’s IRS (Independent rear suspension) that’s why they likely ride differently as well.
2. You don’t need to “Use the knob controls differently” with Android/Apple, or the knob at all. One of the new changes that the CX50 infotainment brought is that while using Android/Apple you can use it as a touchscreen ,even while moving.
I hear it’s quite a difference in handling as well as interior packing. Cx5 is the grocery getter where the cx50 is the Subaru competitor.
Such an easy pass
CR, I vehemently disagree with the suggestion that the majority of car reviews are done by genuine journalists upholding professional standards . Most car reviews are nothing more than sleazy corporate marketing disguised as reporting.
Not true. Ever watched Driven, Savagegeese, Alex on Autos, Redline, Doug Demuro, etc?
That is an ugly color 🤮
The problem with most auto “journalism” whether print or online media is that it’s all puff pieces and advertising. Watching or reading someone regurgitate car company approved talking points adds no value and isn’t helpful or entertaining. “Journalists” that won’t dare give an honest opinion about a model for fear of being blacklisted by the manufacturer is killing the industry
The Mazda command knob is so much more efficient and safer. You don’t have to fumble around on a touch screen. People also seldom use a tuning knob once you get your favorites.
Turbo adds strain on engine and less reliability.
Oh yay, yet another Mazda crossover for their increasingly dull model line (even the current 3 is soulless). The CX-50 doesn’t fill a void in their offerings, and it doesn’t sound impressive even if it did.
Mazda replaced ‘zoom-zoom’ with ‘look at our pretty interiors.’ How…exciting. I guess.